How can patients with the high price of pemigatinib obtain the drug reasonably?

Pemigatinib is a targeted therapy drug mainly used for unresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma carrying FGFR2 gene fusion or rearrangement. Since its original drug has not yet been included in medical insurance in China, the market price is relatively high. Each box of 4.5mg14 tablets or 9mg14 tablets is priced at approximately 2–5 Between 10,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan, long-term medication may bring greater financial pressure to ordinary patients and families. Patients should fully evaluate their own financial conditions before use and formulate a reasonable treatment plan based on the doctor's advice.

To reduce drug costs, some patients may obtain drugs through overseas channels. In overseas markets, the price of the original drug Pemetinib in 13.5mg*14 tablet format is about 7 more than RMB 7 (affected by the exchange rate). When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the legality of the source of the drug and the safety of transportation. Some patients will also consider using overseas generic drugs. These drugs are basically the same in ingredients as the original drugs, but the price is lower, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.

For example, the generic version of pemetinib produced by Lucius Pharmaceuticals in Laos is 4.5mg*14 tablets, and each box sells for about 700 more than RMB (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). Obtaining generic drugs through formal channels can reduce expenses while ensuring efficacy, but patients still need to use them under the guidance of professional doctors, pay attention to the reasonable arrangement of dosage and treatment duration, and avoid the risks caused by adjusting their own medication.

In addition, patients can also pay attention to patient assistance programs or clinical trial opportunities provided by pharmaceutical companies. These channels sometimes provide certain drug support or cost reductions. Obtaining drugs through a combination of multiple channels, combined with individualized treatment plans formulated by doctors, can reasonably control drug costs while ensuring efficacy, making the use of high-priced targeted drugs more feasible and sustainable.

Keyword tags:

Pemetinib, high price, drug access, economical options, overseas channels, generic drugs, patient assistance programs, medication safety

Reference materials:https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/pemigatinib